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John Shipley: Gophers prove Mitch Leidner is not the problem

Jerry Kill wanted Gophers fans to get off Mitch Leidner's back. The rest of his football team played badly enough Saturday to make that happen.

Leidner wasn't exactly Terry Bradshaw in a 27-24 victory over Ohio University at TCF Bank Stadium, but by game's end he proved himself to be the best thing the Gophers had going for them, leading a game-winning, fourth-quarter touchdown drive that all be sealed the game with 30 seconds remaining.

Afterward, there was nothing but love for the fourth-year junior, who completed 22 of 32 passes for a career-high 264 yards.